Ireland captain Paul O'Connell believes England still boast the strongest scrum in the RBS 6 Nations, even with a mini injury crisis at prop.

England only have two tighthead props in their Six Nations squad now Dan Cole has been ruled out for the season with a bulging disc in his neck.

David Wilson recovered from calf trouble just in time to make one Bath appearance before being catapulted back into England's number three jersey.

The former Newcastle Falcon will start against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday, with Sale's green 22-year-old Henry Thomas the bench cover.

Paul Doran-Jones' neck trouble and injury to Harlequins youngster Will Collier have exposed England's tighthead depth, with Newcastle pair Kieran Brookes and Scott Wilson potentially now next in line.

Alex Corbisiero is missing with knee trouble on the loosehead, but Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola offer more than adequate cover.

Munster talisman O'Connell is full of praise for Ireland's scrum but remains wary of England's set-piece prowess, even accounting for their high-profile absentees.

"Our scrum has been strong but this is probably our biggest challenge in the championship now," said O'Connell.

"They have an excellent scrum: they are heavy, very strong and powerful.

"Graham Rowntree, I've worked with him on two Lions tours and he's obsessed with the detail of the scrum.

"It's a big part of his coaching philosophy, dominating the scrum, so it's something we've worked on this week and it's something we're very aware of that will play a massive part in the game this weekend.